Group MFM

4/8/2011

MET Institute, Mumbai

Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags

Research Methodology Project: MFM Semester II.
 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
MFM Semester II
(2010-2013)

Go Green: Can Paper bag replace Plastic Bags?

Presented by:

Name Roll No
Sumaiya Dalal 68
Rahul Mahabare 88
Himshree Shelar 105
Prashant Soni 108
Deepak Supal 109

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sr. No. Topic Page No.

1 Introduction 4
3 Research Objective 6
4 Hypothesis 6
5 Research Design 6
6 Questionnaire 8
7 Analysis of Data 10
8 Hypothesis Testing Applied 22
9 Interpretation 29
10 References 29

Introduction:

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

The Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar
System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets. It is sometimes referred to as the
World, the Blue Planet, or by its Latin name, Terra.

Home to millions of species including humans, Earth is currently the only astronomical body where life is
known to exist. The planet formed 4.54 billion years ago, and life appeared on its surface within a billion years.
Earth's biosphere has significantly altered the atmosphere and other biotic conditions on the planet, enabling
the proliferation of aerobic organisms as well as the formation of the ozone layer which, together with Earth's
magnetic field, blocks harmful solar radiation, permitting life on land. The physical properties of the Earth, as
well as its geological history and orbit, have allowed life to persist during this period. The planet is expected to
continue supporting life for at least another 500 million years.

The earth might continue to dwell for another 500 million year but without life since with the increasing
number of environmental threats created by human are consuming away the essence all together.
Examining the various threats to the Earth's environment must include the human impact on the planet. Catch
phrases such as carbon footprint, global warming, deforestation, and other commonly used terms have
become the everyday jargon for those concerned about the environment

Plastics have played a key role in meeting the challenges of the 20 th century. From cell phones and computers
to bicycle helmets and hospital IV bags, plastic has moulded society in many ways that make life both easier
and safer. But the synthetic material also has left harmful imprints on the environment and perhaps human
health. Since its mass production began in the 1940s, plastic’s wide range of unique properties has propelled it
to an essential status in society. Next year, more than 300 million tons will be produced worldwide. The
amount of plastic manufactured in the first ten years of this century will approach the total produced in the
entire last century.

Plastics are very long-lived products that could potentially have service over decades, and yet the main use of
these lightweight, inexpensive materials are as single-use items that will go to the garbage dump within a
year, where they’ll persist for centuries. Evidence is mounting that the chemical building blocks that make
plastics so versatile are the same components that might harm people and the environment. And its
production and disposal contribute to an array of environmental problems, too.

For example:
• Chemicals added to plastics are absorbed by human bodies. Some of these compounds have been
found to alter hormones or have other potential human health effects.
• Plastic debris, laced with chemicals and often ingested by marine animals, can injure or poison wildlife.
• Floating plastic waste, which can survive for thousands of years in water, serves as mini transportation
devices for invasive species, disrupting habitats.
• Plastic buried deep in landfills can leach harmful chemicals that spread into groundwater.
• Around 4 percent of world oil production is used as a feedstock to make plastics, and a similar amount
is consumed as energy in the process.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
A number of countries are beginning to take positive measures to tackle this problem including charging
consumers a levy, or banning them from the market place altogether.

New technologies such as bio-plastics are also being commercially introduced. Rwanda and Eritrea banned the
bags outright, as has Somaliland, an autonomous region of Somalia. South Africa, Uganda and Kenya have
minimum thickness rules, and Ethiopia, Ghana, Lesotho and Tanzania are considering similar measures. The
major cities in India banned the manufacture, sale and use of plastic bags in August 2005, after claims that
they choked drains during monsoon rains.

In this presentation, we shall focus on the issue of the usage of paper bags in place of plastic bags.
In the process of studying management, which is directed towards better allocation of alternatives, the course
of research methodology provides a mechanism to deal with issues that pertain to large populations with the
help statistical tools. Operations Research also provides the parameters for developing focused research
works in order that suitable policies can be formulated in dealing with the issues. So also, the environmental
issue relating to the usage of plastic bags is the prime focus of this study.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
Research Objective:

Our team carried this research to find out if I today’s well qualified and environmentally aware youth thinks
that paper can replace plastic bags or not. Even if they are aware of the hazards of plastic yet why there is still
a major utilization of the plastic bags. Our team headed out to find out the various parameters that influences
the usage of plastic bags.

Hypothesis:

We consider the below hypothesis

Null Hypothesis: H0: Paper bags can replace the Plastic bags
Alternate Hypothesis: H1: Paper bags cannot replace Plastic bags

Research Design:

Reason of undertaking this project:

1. The project was inherently complex and involved imparting objectivity to factors that are inherently
subjective in nature. Also the complexity of the project ensures for us a thorough and in-depth
understanding of the concepts and fundamentals of Research Methodology which is the most
important aim of this course.
2. The study pertains to a subject that has wide environmental impact and we could easily identify with in
our day to day life.
3. The data is a sample representative of the population which was selected on random basis.
4. The data is collected from shoppers and consumers who use plastic or paper bags while retailing at
regular interval of time.

The sample representative would include consumers and shoppers who regularly purchase from retail outlets
and who are from different:
1. Geographical locations within Mumbai
2. Industries
3. Demographics

This case study will be divided into two major parts:

1. Brainstorming
2. Survey by questionnaire
3. Analysis
4. Conclusion

Following information was required to conduct the research & survey:

1. Type of bag people the consumers are currently using
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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
2. How often such plastic bags are used and if they are recycled
3. What is the purpose of using polythene bag
4. Attributes of plastic and paper bags
5. Awareness among the people on side effects of plastic bags
6. Level of acceptance among consumers if paper bags are provided

Hypothesis testing will be done on the following grounds:

1. Appearance
2. Durability
3. Availability
4. Multipurpose Use
5. Eco-Friendly

If the survey proves that paper bags can replace plastic bags, the retail outlets which we consider the major
source of plastic input can consider it feasible to provide the consumers paper bags instead of plastic bags.

Sampling:

We targeted the working class individuals with the age bracket of 21-29 years . We were able to capture about
150 opinions through questionnaires filled through personal interviews.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
Questionnaire Description:

We have designed a questionnaire which will help us analyse the population on the grounds of their purchase
power and their preference of bags while carrying out their purchase or storage needs. Each question helps us
reach to a conclusion of what exactly is the preferred choice of a sample size and why.

------------------------------------------------------------Questionnaire---------------------------------------------------------------
Kindly select one option
1. How often do you go shopping?
1-2 a month 3-4 a month 5-6 a month 6-7 month 7-8 month More than 9
month

2. On an average, how much do you spend on shopping in a month? (INR)

Less than 1000 1000-2000 2000-3000 3000-4000 4000-5000 More than
5000

3. What type of bag do you prefer for shopping?

Plastic Paper Cloth Other

If you have selected others, please specify__________

4. How often do you use a Plastic/Paper bag:

Type Frequency of Use
Very Often Often Sometimes Rarely Neve
Paper
Plastic

5. For what purpose do you use a Plastic Bag:

Shopping Storing Carrying Trash Other

If you have selected others, please specify__________

6. On a scale of 0-10, (0=Lowest, 10-Highest) how do you rate a PLASTIC BAG on below parameters

Parameter Rating
Appearance
Durability
Availability
Multipurpose Use
Eco-Friendly
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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

7. After you get a Paper or Plastic bag do you :

Recycle Reuse Throw

8. On a scale of 0-10, (0=Lowest, 10-Highest) how do you rate a PAPER BAG on below parameters

Parameter Rating
Appearance
Durability
Availability
Multipurpose Use
Eco-Friendly

9. Does type of Bag affect your purchasing experience?

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree

10. Are you aware of:

Aware about Yes No
Plastic bags cause human health problems such as cancer,
birth defects, immune systems suppression and
development problem in children
Plastic bags harm environment
Manufacturing paper bags causes destruction of forest
and wastage of water

11. Would you be willing to use a paper bag instead of a Plastic Bag?
Definitely Not Definitely Probably Probably not

12. In case you are not willing to use a Paper bag, please state the reason why:
Not durable Not attractive Cannot be reused Not eco friendly Other
If

you have selected others, please specify__________

------------------------------------------------------Thankyou-------------------------------------------------------------

Analysis of Data:
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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

We have collated the data together and classifed into numerical analysis and graphical analaysis. Each
question give us an outcome which helps us reach to an answer if or not the paper bags can replace plastic
bags. If say they do, then on which grounds do they score over plastic and if not then what paramters make
plastic still the hot favourite inspite of being harmful.

We have biferacated each question in the following format:

 Question
 Ratings Expected
 Numerical Analysis
 Graphical Analysis
 Inferance

We have applied the Z test on the following parameters to reach to an statistical understanding.
 Appearance
 Durability
 Availability
 Multipurpose Use
 Eco-Friendly

Since the sample size is large we have opted for the Z test

1. How often do you go shopping in a month?

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

1-2 3-4 5-6 6-7 7-8 More than 9

2. On an average, how much do you spend on shopping in a month? (INR)

>1000 1000-2000 2000-3000 3000-4000 4000-5000 5000<

Numerical Analysis:

On an average, how much do you

How often do you go spend in a month on household
shopping?? purchase??
1-2 times a month 2 Less than 1000 2
3-4 times a month 20 1000-2000 19
5-6 times a month 68 2000-3000 39
7-8 times a month 43 3000-4000 57
8-9 times a month 10 4000-5000 22
10 or more 7 More than 5000 11
Graphical Analysis:

80%

70%

60% 26%
50% 38%
40% Spending Power
Shopping count
30%
45%
20% 13%
29% 15%
10% 13% 7%
1% 7% 5%
0% 1%
1 2 3 4 5 6

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
Conclusion:

We targeted a population which is approximately in the age group of 22-29 and which falls into the working
category. Majority of the youth shops for household products 5-6 times a month with a spending power 3000-
4000 INR. The approximate spending power shows that the items procured are not high end items like
electronic items or artefacts which usual don’t require any kind of carrier. The items would be majorly
grocery, food items or clothes which would be packed in a bag. Be it plastic or paper. We will further see what
type of bag is preferred by the same population.

3. What type of bag do you prefer for shopping?

Plastic Paper Cloth Other

Numerical Analysis:

What type of bag do you prefer for shopping??

Plastic 77
Paper 20
Cloth 40
Other 13
Graphical analysis:

9%

27% 51% Plastic

Paper
13%
Cloth
Other

Conclusion:
The graphical analysis concludes that 51% of the shopping population is inclined towards the plastic bags. The
second obvious choice was a cloth bag which scored over paper or any other like jute bags. In our further
analysis we would find out why is plastic preferred over paper bags.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
4. How often do you use a Plastic/Paper bag:
Type Frequency of Use
Very Often Often Sometimes Rarely Neve
Paper
Plastic
Numerical Analysis:
Frequency Plastic Paper
Very Often 48 6
Often 63 26
Sometimes 25 65
Rarely 11 43
Never 3 10

Graphical Analysis:

42% 43%
45%
40%
35% 32%
29%
30%
Plastic %
25%
Paper %
20% 17% 17%

15%
10% 7% 7%
4%
5% 2%

0%
Very Often Often Sometimes Rarely Never

Conclusion:
A direct comparison between the usage of paper and plastic bags indicated that the target population prefers
or rather always opts for a plastic bag.

5. For what purpose do you use a Plastic Bag:

Shopping Storing Carrying Trash Other

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

If you have selected others, please specify__________

Numerical Analysis:
Purpose Respondent
Shopping 63
Storing 19
Carrying 42
Trash 15
Other 11
Total 150

Graphical analysis:

7%
10%
42% Shopping
28% Storing
Carrying
13%
Trash
Other

Conclusion:
42% of the sample size uses a plastic bag during their shopping. Maximum use of a plastic bag be it a
polythene bag or a brand building store plastic bag, is during retailing. We can safely concluded that the
source of plastic bags does come from the retail segment.

6. On a scale of 0-10, (0=Lowest, 10-Highest) how do you rate a PLASTIC BAG on below parameters

Parameter Rating
Appearance
14 Durability
Availability
Multipurpose Use
Eco-Friendly
 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

Numerical Analysis:
Neutra
  Disagree l Agree
Ratings 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Appearance 3 1 9 11 12 35 4 7 17 26 25
Durability   1 1 4 9 33 0 14 19 29 40
Availability       2 3 10 4 8 19 37 67
Multipurpose
Use 3 1 1 3 7 17 8 21 37 33 19
Eco-Friendly 55 29 25 6 5 11 15 4      

Graphical Analysis:

135
140
118 120
120
102
100
79
80
Plastic Bag Agree
60
36 Plastic Bag Disagree
40
15 15 19
20 5

0
Appearance Durability Availability Multipurpose Eco-Friendly
Use

Inference:
Since the age of plastic has commenced, plastic bags have always won over parameters like durability and
being able to use more than once. Also, it has been so well marketed that it is available almost at no cost and
at every retail outlet be it organised or non-organised sector. Plastic bags loses out on one factor of not being
eco friendly and people have realised its hazards over the years. The above statistic prove the same again.

7. After you get a Paper or Plastic bag do you :

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
Recycle Reuse Throw

Numerical Analysis:

After- Use Count

Recycle it 7
Reuse it 94
Throw it 49
Graphical Analysis:

5%
33%

Recycle it
62%
Reuse it
Throw it

Inference:
The graph indicates that be it any bag plastic or paper, people (at least in india, Mumbai) prefer to reuse it again.
Showing a desire of durability.

8. On a scale of 0-10, (0=Lowest, 10-Highest) how do you rate a PAPER BAG on below parameters

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

Parameter Rating
Appearance
Durability
Availability
Multipurpose Use
Eco-Friendly

Numerical Analysis:
  Disagree Neutral agree
Ratings 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Appearance 4 6 9 4 5 9 47 36 18 7 5
Durability 29 18 6 2 1 54 19 18 3    
Availability 21 17 6 4 3 53 22 17 3 1 3
Multipurpose
Use 27 13 4 4 3 43 24 15 10 7 0
Eco-Friendly 6 4 1 2 3 11 1 16 26 29 51

Graphical Analysis:

140 123
113
120

100

80
56 56 Paper Bag Agree
60 51 51
46
40 Paper Bag Disgree
40 28
16
20

0
Appearance Durability Availability Multipurpose Eco-Friendly
Use

Inference:
Paper bags have always been attractive due to the craft element attached to them. Organised retail outlets
have captured the aspect of paper being eco friendly and done a lot of branding based on the organic
element.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
9. Does type of Bag affect your purchasing experience?
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree

Numerical Analysis:

Opinions Count
Strongly Agree 3
Agree 7
Disagree 57
Strongly Disagree 83

Graphical Analysis:

2%
5%

38% Strongly Agree

55%
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

Inference:
Now an interesting graph which depicts that be it any bag people do not stop purchasing goods. This helps us
understand if the retailers provide a good quality paper bag people might use it more often inspite having a preferance
towards plastic.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

10. Are you aware of:

Aware about Yes No

Plastic bags cause human health problems such as
cancer, birth defects, immune systems suppression and
development problem in children
Plastic bags harm environment
Manufacturing paper bags causes destruction of forest
and wastage of water

Numerical Analysis:
Reasons Yes No

Human health problems 123 27

Harm the environment 150  

Wastage of water and destruction of forests 53 97

Graphical Analysis:

160
140 27
120
100 107
80 150 No
123
60
Yes
40
43
20
0
Human health Harm the Wastage of water
problems environment and destruction of
forests

Inference:
The current youth is aware of the the haphazards caused by plastic. The paper bags though eco friendly at the end are a
reason for deforestration was not known.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

11. Would you be willing to use a paper bag instead of a Plastic Bag?
Definitely Not Definitely Probably Probably not

Numerical Analysis:

Willingness Count
Definitely 8
Probably 83
Probably Not 59
Definitely Not -

Graphical analysis:

55%
60%

50%
40%

40%

30%

20%

10% 5%
0%
0%
Definitely Probably Probably Not Definitely Not

Inference:
The current youth is adaptable to change. Change is good for them. If provided with a paper bag the 55%
people would prefer paper bags.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

12. In case you are not willing to use a Paper bag, please state the reason why:
Not durable Not attractive Cannot be Not eco Other
reused friendly

If you have selected others, please specify__________

Numerical Analysis:
Reasons Count
Not Durable 74
Not Attractive 30
Cannot be reused 43
Not Eco-friendly 0
Other 3

Graphical Analysis:

49%
50%
45%
40%
35% 29%
30%
25% 20%
20%
15%
10%
2%
5% 0%
0%
Not Durable Not Cannot be Not Eco- Other
Attractive reused friendly

Inference:
Remaining 45% of people who are not willing to opt for a paper bag mostly say that it is not durable and not
reusable hence they would not opt for the same.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

HYPOTHESIS TESTING
Statistical tools applied
The total sample questions in the questionnaire were 12 but we selected Q. 6 & Q.8 for Hypothesis
testing.
As per the ratings the feedback was interpreted as follows
Rating 0-4 5 6-10
Interpretation Disagree Neutral Agree

Hence frequencies of ratings from 0-4 are submerged to interpretation “ Disagree” for statistical analysis.
Similarly frequencies from 6-10 interpretes “ Agrees”
Hypothesis testing is done by applying “z-test” to compare the proportion of two populations.

Formula Used:

( p1 −p 2 )−( p 1− p 2 )
z=
p1q1 p2 q2
√ n1
+
n2

Where:
p1 is the proportion in the first sample possessing the trait.
p2 is the proportion in the second sample possessing the trait.
n1 is the number of observations in the first sample.
n2 is the number of observations in the second sample.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

Statistical Application:

Appearance:

HO: There is no significance difference in the appearance of Plastic and Paper Bags.
H1: There is significance difference in the appearance of Plastic and Paper Bags.
Level of Significance (LOS): 0.05

Sample = 2
Type: Proportion

Test:
Appearance Score Plastic Bags Paper Bags
( p1 −p 2 )−( p 1− p 2 )
z= Agree 79 113
p1q1 p2 q2 Disagree 36 28

√ n1
+
n2

p1 = 79/150 = 0.5267; q1 = (1- p1) = 0.4733

p2 = 113/150 = 0.7533; q2= (1- p2) = 0.2467

0 . 5267-0.7533
z=
0 .5267*0 . 4733 0. 7533*0 .2467
√ 150
+
150
Z = 4.243

Table Value of Z = 1.96

Calculated value of Z is more than Table value of Z= 4.243 on level of significance = 0.05 which is more than
the Table values of z= 1.96. Therefore, we reject the null hypotheses and accept the alternate hypotheses i.e.
H1.

Hence it states that there is significant difference in the appearance of paper and plastic bags. Paper bags
always have appealed to the crowd due to the creative angle to them.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
Durability:

HO: There is no significance difference in the durability of Plastic and Paper Bags.
H1: There is significance difference in the durability of Plastic and Paper Bags.
Level of Significance (LOS): 0.05

Sample = 2
Type: Proportion

Test:
( p1 −p 2 )−( p 1− p 2 ) Durability Score Plastic Bags Paper Bags
z= Agree 102 48
p1q1 p2 q2
√ n1
+
n2
Disagree 15 48

p1 = 102/150 = 0.680; q1 = (1- p1) = 0.320

p2 = 40/150 = 0.2667; q2 = (1-p2) = 0.7333

0 . 680-0.2667
z=
0 . 680*0. 320 0 . 2667*0 .7333
√ 150
+
150

Z = 7.87

Table Value of Z = 1.96

Calculated value of Z= 7.87 which is more than Table value of Z= 1.96 on a level of significance= 0.05.
Therefore reject the null hypotheses and accept the alternate hypotheses.

There is a major difference in the durability of plastic bags hence they are extensively re-useable and last
longer protecting the good stored in it or carried in it.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
Availability:

HO: There is no significance difference in the availability of Plastic and Paper Bags.
H1: There is significance difference in the availability of Plastic and Paper Bags.

Level of Significance (LOS): 0.05

Sample = 2

Type: Proportion
Test:

Availability Score Plastic Bags Paper Bags

Agree 135 46
Disagree 5 51

( p1 −p 2 )−( p 1− p 2 )
z=
p1q1 p2 q2
√ n1
+
n2

P1 = 135/150 = 0.900; q1 = (1-p1) = 0.100

P2 = 46/150 = 0.3067; q2 = (1-q2) = 0.6933

0 . 900-0 .3067
z=
0 . 900*0. 100 0. 3067*0 .6933
√ 150
+
150
Z = 13.21

Table Value of Z = 1.96

Calculated value of Z= 13.21 which is more than Table value of Z= 1.96 on a level of significance= 0.05.
Therefore reject the null hypotheses and accept the alternate hypotheses.

Paper bags are not available at every retail outlet especially in the non-organised retail segment. Plastic are
easily available in every form, shape, size and at every store.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
Multipurpose:

HO: There is no significance difference in the multipurpose use of Plastic and Paper Bags.
H1: There is significance difference in the multipurpose use of Plastic and Paper Bags.
Level of Significance (LOS): 0.05
Sample = 2

Type: Proportion

Test:

Multipurpose Score Plastic Bags Paper Bags

Agree 118 56
Disagree 15 51

( p1 −p 2 )−( p 1− p 2 )
z=
p1q1 p2 q2
√ n1
+
n2

P1 = 118/150 = 0.7867; q1 = (1-p1) = 0.2133

P2 = 46/150 = 0.3733; q2 = (1-q2) = 0.6267

As applied above the calculation, we get z= 7.99

Z = 7.99

Table Value of Z = 1.96

Calculated value of Z= 7.99 which is more than Table value of Z= 1.96 on a level of significance= 0.05.
Therefore reject the null hypotheses and accept the alternate hypotheses.

Since paper bags are not durable they do not last for a longer duration. Hence they cannot be reused more
than once or twice depending upon the quality of the paper used.
On the other side plastic lasts long and can be used numerously.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011
Eco-Friendly

HO: There is significance difference in the Eco-Friendly of Plastic and Paper Bags.
H1: There is no significance difference in the Eco-Friendly of Plastic and Paper Bags.
Level of Significance (LOS): 0.05

Sample = 2
Type: Proportion
Test:

Eco-Friendly Score Paper Bags Plastic Bags

Agree 123 19
Disagree 16 120
( p1 −p 2 )−( p 1− p 2 )
z=
p1q1 p2 q2
√ n1
+
n2
P1 = 123/150 = 0.820; q1 = (1-q1) = 0.180
P2 = 19/150 = 0.1267; q2 = (1-p2) = 0.8733

Where
P1= Paper bag
P2= Plastic bag
The calculation leads us to Z = 7.99

Z = 16.70
Table Value of Z = 1.96

Calculated value of Z= 7.99 which is more than Table value of Z= 1.96 on a level of significance= 0.05.
Therefore reject the null hypotheses and accept the alternate hypotheses.

i.e. There is a significant difference between the eco friendliness of plastic n paper bags.

Paper bags as proved earlier have sustained their quality of being eco friendly. They cause less harm to the
environment after they are used. They degrade easily unlike plastic which is thrashed down at every street
corner.

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 Go Green: Paper Bags v/s Plastic Bags 2011

Interpretation:
From the above Hypothesis testing of Q. 6 & Q. 8, it is observed that we accept Null Hypothesis only for
Eco-Friendliness Parameter and reject Null Hypothesis for Appearance, Durability, Availability and
Multipurpose utility

Hence we conclude that degree of acceptance of Null Hypothesis is less than the degree of acceptance of
Alternate Hypothesis.

Hence it is proved that “Paper bags cannot replace Plastic bags”

Also as seen from the above graphs shows that people are aware of side effects of plastic bags and are
concerned about the environment but as they are not easily available and not reusable they continue to
use plastic bags

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z_test

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth

http://www.angelfire.com/wi/PaperVsPlastic/

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